🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Chevrolet

Model:

Corvette

Year:

1973

Sub Model:

C3 (Third Generation)

Engine Code 427:

LS4

Engine Code 454:

LS4 (though often referred to by displacement)

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

High-performance American sports car

Competitors 1973:

American Motors AMX, Ford Mustang Mach 1, Plymouth Barracuda.

Design Era:

C3 Corvette's distinctive Stingray design, known for its aerodynamic shape and pop-up headlights.

Engine Options:

Availability of powerful big-block V8 engines, particularly the 427 and 454 cubic inch variants, offering exceptional performance.

Manual Value:

Essential for owners and mechanics maintaining this classic performance vehicle, providing accurate factory specifications and procedures.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full vehicle service, maintenance, and repair

Engine Variants Covered:

All 1973 Corvette engines, specifically highlighting the 427 cubic inch (7.0L) and 454 cubic inch (7.4L) V8 engines.

Transmission Variants Covered:

All 1973 Corvette transmissions, including manual and automatic.

Trim Levels Covered:

All 1973 Corvette trim levels and body styles (coupe, convertible).

Estimated Pages:

~1000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, drive axle, universal joints.

Chassis:

Frame, suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front disc, rear disc), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, gauges, wipers, horn, power windows, radio, antenna, wiring diagrams.

Body:

Body construction, doors, hood, trunk lid, windows, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, convertible top mechanism.

Maintenance:

Lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, battery service.

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, braking issues, suspension noise, and other common problems.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic charts and flowcharts for identifying and rectifying faults.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic preventative maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed specifications, torque values, and repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes (typically)

Printable:

Yes (typically)

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory manuals, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Displacement Cu In:

427

Displacement Liters:

7.0L

Configuration:

V8

Horsepower Gross Est:

255 HP (LS4, 4-bbl)

Torque Gross Est:

380 lb-ft (LS4, 4-bbl)

Displacement Cu In:

454

Displacement Liters:

7.4L

Configuration:

V8

Horsepower Gross Est:

270 HP (LS4, 4-bbl)

Torque Gross Est:

418 lb-ft (LS4, 4-bbl)

Compression Ratio Ls4:

8.5:1

Carburetion:

Rochester Quadrajet 4-barrel carburetor (standard for both 427 and 454 LS4 engines)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transmission (Muncie M20/M21)

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate (for manual transmission)

Rear Axle Ratio Std:

3.08:1 (automatic), 3.45:1 (manual, performance option)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

~179.6 inches

Width:

~69.2 inches

Height:

~47.8 inches

Wheelbase:

98.0 inches

Curb Weight Est:

~3450-3700 lbs (depending on engine and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not applicable to 1973 vehicles under modern rating systems (e.g., NHTSA/IIHS).

Brakes:

Power-assisted front disc brakes, rear disc brakes. Parking brake integrated into rear calipers.

Steering:

Power steering (optional but common).

Seat Belts:

Three-point retractable front seat belts.

Steering Column:

Collapsible steering column.

Windshield:

Laminated safety glass.

💡 Technology Features

Radio Options:

AM/FM radio, AM/FM stereo with 8-track player (optional).

Assistance Features:

Minimal by modern standards. Focus on power steering and power brakes.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (No factory connectivity features).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era).

Tune Up Interval:

Every 10,000-12,000 miles or 12 months.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.

Engine Oil Type:

API Service SF or SG, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (depending on climate). Refer to manual for exact specs.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III (or equivalent).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3.

Common Problems:

Carburetor tuning, ignition system (points, condenser, coil), vacuum leaks, aging rubber components (hoses, seals), differential leaks, steering wander, electrical gremlins.

Body Corrosion:

While less prone than earlier models due to fiberglass, frame rust can occur in areas with road salt exposure.

📚 Vehicle History

Chevrolet Legacy:

Chevrolet's long-standing reputation for producing powerful and accessible performance vehicles.

C3 Generation Timeline:

1968-1982. The 1973 model year marked the introduction of the urethane-injected front bumper replacing chrome, a significant styling update towards softer lines and improved impact resistance.

Production Years:

1968-1982 for C3 generation.

Plant Location:

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Classic Car Status:

Highly regarded classic sports car, celebrated for its performance and iconic styling. Often featured in automotive publications and enthusiast events.

Performance Reviews:

Consistently praised for its powerful engines and handling capabilities for its era.

Historical Significance:

Represents a peak era for American muscle and sports car performance.